Research Data Management

Storing your data

• Back up your data on a regular basis to reduce the risk of losing recent versions of your data.
• Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule: have at least three copies of your data; store the copies on two different media; keep one backup copy offsite.
• The ECU IT team are available to provide further advice and information about storage.   

ECU offers networked file storage with automatic backup through SharePoint and OneDrive (M365). By using the OneDrive app on your computer, you will have a local copy stored, with synched cloud-based back-up storage. Alternatively, Compute Canada’s Rapid Access Service provides principal investigators at Canadian postsecondary institutions a modest amount of storage and other cloud resources for free. 

The ECU M365 suite has undergone a Privacy Impact Assessment and meets privacy laws in British Columbia. ECU M365 also provides back-up storage and protects data for disaster recovery. If you choose to store your data outside of ECU provided M365 you should know about the consequences of storing your data outside of Canada, especially in relation to privacy. Data stored in different countries is subject to their laws, which may differ from those in Canada.  

Securing your data

• Ensure computer hard drives are encrypted
• Do not store data on free cloud services (Dropbox or Google Drive)

Destroying your data

Are there data you will need or choose to destroy? If so, how will you destroy them securely? 

Certain data may not have long-term value, may be too sensitive for preservation, or must be destroyed due to data agreements. Deleting files from your computer is not a secure method of data disposal. Contact your IT services, research ethics office, and/or privacy office to find out how you can securely destroy your data.

Software is available to help erase files from hard disks, meeting recognized erasure standards. Example software is: BCWipe, WipeFile, DeleteOnClick and Eraser for Windows platforms; and Permanent Eraser for MacOS platforms. 

A risk-averse approach for all drives is to encrypt devices before first use when installing operating software and to physically destroy the drive using a secure destruction facility. 

ECU provides bins for secure paper shredding through Iron Mountain in various locations on campus (for example, in the library). There is an Iron Mountain bin for destruction of CDs and other discs in the ECU Mailroom.